CV 4 Jobs

Most jobseekers put time and energy into CV Writing and even pay people like me to do it for them. You need a good CV but I do feel though that there should be more emphasis on finding jobs in this market. I write CVs for many clients and as part of the process I tell them the reality of the current job Market with emphasis on proactive job hunting. I know much of this is not heeded and that many jobseekers will inevitably sit and wait for the jobs to be posted online or in the papers. I guess my point is that there is no point having a great CV if no one ever gets to see it.

Reminds me of a story I read once about two students who finished up for the summer. They both planned to get work for the summer. The first student spent the first week creating an immaculate CV and the other student got a job.

CVs are an essential tool as most employers will want to see the document at some stage no matter how you source the job. Having said this I know of many people who got jobs without a CV. In this market a planned job search strategy is more important as I feel it is harder to find jobs than write a CV. Are you using your CV as the reason for not finding a job when in fact it is more than likely your approach to job hunting?

CV Preparation & CV Distribution

There are many great articles on this site telling you how to prepare an impact CV. There is excellent information about CV Layout, CV content, CV design and cover letters. There are occasions when I come across clients who spend that much time perfecting a CV that they neglect distributing the CV. Yes you need to spend time on your CV BUT remember if employers or recruiters do not see it you will not get a job.

Rather that focus on preparing a CV lets look at where you can locate suitable jobs to distribute your CV.

Recruitment Agencies – Probably the most popular job search tool as it takes the work out of job hunting for the jobseeker. Remember to identify agencies that tailor for your skill set and try if possible to meet the recruiter.

Online Job Boards – There are unlimited job boards in Ireland including EmployIreland, RecruitIreland and SalesJobs to name a few. My only advice here is to visit them regularly and not rely too much on job alerts.

Newspapers – There has been a sharp decline in newspaper job advertising and the fact that most newspaper groups own the online job boards would highlight this point. Certainly no harm to review the main job papers of which Thursday Irish Independent Jobs Supplement is still No.1.

Networking – This is a proactive approach to find potential jobs. Can be hard work but introduces you to valuable industry contacts and can unearth real job gems. When you consider that over 50% of jobs are never advertised it is strategies like networking that will help you access the hidden job pool.

Choosing a CV Writing Service

I review some really bad CV’s on a daily basis. A lot of the mistakes are quite basic. Interestingly I often deal with jobseekers who have already forked out good money on bad CV services. Ok – I don’t like people throwing money away but most of the time they are their own worst enemy.

We are getting ripped off in Ireland for groceries BUT we are creating this situation. We pay the prices and we are too lazy to shop around. Similarly many jobseekers run with the 1st CV service they see on the web without shopping around or checking out the provider. Below I will outline key criteria to consider.

CV Service – Considerations.

What qualifies the CV writer? – OK there is no official qualification for writing CV’s in Ireland BUT the background of the writer is important. Any CV provider who does not have a bio on their website – BEWARE!!. Typically a good background for CV writing is a vast experience in recruitment or HR. Basically somebody who has been heavily involved in recruitment, sifting CV’s or interviewing.

Reputation of CV Writer – Are they known in Ireland? Who refers them? I have references on my site (they are legitimate) BUT these can be made up. Does the CV writer have any industry or company references? Do they blog? Do they write for any online sites or newspapers?

Price of CV Writer – As we all know price can no give a true indication of service. A high price does not mean good service and visa versa. Ok we all have a budget BUT remember an IMPACT CV will help you secure that dream job.

And now for the sales pitch – CV Writing Service Ireland.

Many jobseekers are reactive when it comes to job hunting. When I say this I mean is that they rely on recruitment agencies or job board and sit back and wait for the interviews to roll in. Great if it is working (there are some great job boards in Ireland) but what if you are not experiencing positive results. You have a number of options;

1. Keep doing the same thing – BUT you will keep getting the same results!!
2. Try a different approach when dealing with agencies or search the job boards.
3. Try a proactive approach.

What is proactive job hunting?

There are a number of possible strategies available including speculative CV’s. Here are some tips if you are following this strategy.

Take a focused approach –target an industry sector or a geography region. Approaching this strategy in an ad hoc manner can prove fruitless.

Bypass HR – Sending a speculative CV to Human Resources can prove a waste of time. Although recruitment is managed by the department they may not be completely aware of what is happening in departments. For example the Finance Manager may know that an accountant has just handed in notice or that it has been agreed with the Directors to increase headcount and this information has not reached HR.

Focused cover letter – A generic cover letter will lose impact. Find out the name of the department manager and address it to him/her directly.

Follow Up – Follow up with the person you have sent the CV to. Prepare short sales pitch for the call.

This article was provide by Paul Mullan a CV expert in Ireland.

It is essential that jobseekers move away from the scattergun approach when sending CV’s and job applications. This approach can only lead one route – into the wrong job or career. I understand that for some people there is pressure to get work quickly BUT for most of us we have the luxury to take our time. Planning your route will reduce the chance of getting lost. Analyse what it is you want and when possible research a company before you apply.

If you don’t believe me you may have read in the papers today about one lady who in here words “I applied for job and ended up working in a brothel”.

You have been warned!!!!

I have viewed four CV’s today and all four are littered with spelling and grammar mistakes. When I coach 1-1 or workshops on CV writing I often forget to mention spelling & grammar as this is very basic stuff. Unfortunately this basic stuff will cost you valuable interviews. Spelling & Grammar mistakes send out the wrong signals and I know many hiring managers who refuse to bring those guilty applicants to interview.

We are all human and we are all prone to making mistakes BUT please do not make Spelling & Grammar mistakes on your CV.

How can you overcome this potential problem?

1. Get someone else to script and type your CV – a professional or a friend.
2. Microsoft Word – Tools – Spelling & Grammar
3. Proof read your CV or get someone else proof read your CV.
4. Then trust and verify – proof read it again.

I will be posting other interesting CV, Interviews and career information over the coming weeks.

p.s I hope there are no Spelling & Grammar mistakes in this post. If so remember the saying “do as I say and not as I do”.